Perhaps best known for its peaches and wineries, Palisade offers a peaceful and scenic getaway that’s also filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation.

History:

The Ute Indians were the first inhabitants of the Grand Valley, which provided them with elk, deer, wild berries, and more as they traveled through the region seasonally, according to Colorado Encyclopedia.

Settlers made their way into the area in the late 1800s. The first notable settler in Palisade was John Petal Harlow. He grew fruit and vegetables on his ranch by Rapid Creek starting in 1882. Other farmers like W. A. Pease followed Harlow’s example and grew fruit in the region, taking advantage of it’s “frost-resistant climate.”

Ranchers and farmers began using barrels to haul water from the Grand River and experimenting with building irrigation systems to water their orchards. According to Visit Palisade, irrigation projects have made Palisade one of the most “productive agricultural regions in Colorado and the Intermountain West.”

Coal mining also played a role in Palisade’s early development. According to Visit Palisade, more than a dozen coal mines operated in the town, contributing to it’s early economy.

Palisade was incorporated as a town in 1904.

Construction of the Grand Valley Diversion Dam started in 1897 and was completed in 1916, becoming the largest roller dam in the world. It provided farmers upriver of Grand Junction with affordable irrigation.

Today, Palisade continues to turn to vineyards, wineries, and peaches to attract tourism and help drive its economy.

Outdoor recreation:

The Palisade Plunge – this 32-mile backcountry mountain biking singletrack trail connects the top of the Grand Mesa to Palisade.

Palisade Rim Trail – visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride on this 13 mile trail. However, according to Visit Palisade, the trail is considered very difficult, as you will pass closely to cliff edges, so it’s not recommended to inexperienced hikers, bikers, and riders.

Fruit & Wine Byway – those looking for a more leisurely excursion can enjoy Palisade’s orchards, gardens, vineyards, wineries, and fresh farm market fruit stands in a car or on a bike.

Colorado River – floating down the Colorado River is a popular summer activity, and you can launch from Riverbend Park.

Mount Garfield – this 3.6-mile hike is a challenging route that will give hikers amazing views of Palisade’s vineyards and orchards.

Culture:

Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival – this music festival features local food and craft vendors, riverside camping, and national headliners mixed with Colorado “finest up-and-coming artists.”

Palisade Peach Festival – this festival at Riverbend Park celebrates Palisade’s “world-famous peaches” and the town’s history as the “Peach Capital of Colorado” with live music, a peach eating contest, and much more.

Colorado Mountain Winefest – taking place on the third Saturday of September at Riverbend Park, this festival offers guests a chance to experience Colorado’s wine culture.

The Blue Pig Gallery – located in downtown Palisade, this art gallery showcases work from more than 90 Colorado artists.

Palisade History Museum – opened in 2021, this museum is located in what was once a pre-1939 log building and informs visitors about Palisade’s agricultural and coal mining history.

Dining:

Peche. Restaurant – this upscale restaurant offers a sophisticated menu including locally sourced ingredients.

Fidel’s Cocina & Bar – offers authentic Mexican food.

Palisade Brewing Company – this casual brewery offers craft beers, pub grub, and live music.

Peach Street Distillers – among the first craft distilleries in Colorado, this distillery also offers comfort food like pizzas and burgers.

Lodging:

Wine Country Inn – surrounded by vineyards, this inn offers a luxurious feeling experience.

Spoke and Vine Motel – this newly reinvented motel offers a convenient location in the heart of Palisade.

The Homestead Palisade – offers “stylish boutique lodging” near wineries and orchards.

Wine Valley Inn Palisade – within walking distance of plenty of wineries, restaurants, art galleries, breweries, distilleries, and more.

Getting there:

According to Google Maps, it take about 3 hours and 41 minutes to get from Denver to Palisade.

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